S FLORIDA:
Despite last season's 5-7 record, South Florida is a team that could surprise some people and win the Big East championship this year. B.J Daniels is back at QB after throwing for 2,604 yards and 13 TD, while rushing for 601 yards and six scores as a junior. He'll benefit from playing behind one of the best offensive lines in the conference, and he has his top four receivers back from last year, led by junior Sterling Griffin (team-high 530 rec yds in eight games, 3 TD). One question mark on this South Florida team is a secondary that lacks experience at both the cornerback and safety positions. The defensive line and linebacker groups are both excellent, as the Bulls ranked second in the nation in Tackles For Loss (8.3 per game) and fourth in sacks (3.3 per game), but they'll need the secondary to defend against the pass (244 YPG allowed, 83rd in FBS) to have a real shot at winning this conference.

TEMPLE: The inexperienced Owls could be in for a rude awakening when they rejoin the Big East in 2012. However, they are finally strong at the quarterback position with junior Chris Coyer (30-for-50, 463 yds, 6 TD, 0 INT), who emerged as the leader of their football team. The offensive line is losing four starters, but head coach Steve Addazio is confident that the new linemen can step in and contribute immediately. The running game has big shoes to fill for the departed Bernard Pierce and his 1,481 rushing yards and 27 TD. On defense, Temple allowed a mere 13.9 PPG (3rd in nation), holding five teams to single digits. But the Owls return only five players and will be facing more talented offenses in the Big East than they did in the MAC.